What is WLL? WLL (Wireless in Local Loop) is an emerging access network technology based on CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access) principle. This technology is useful for providing cost effective mobile services and wireless telephone connection in areas where provision of landline telephone connection is not feasible or where demand for mobile phones is very high.

What are the types of WLL service?

At present, there are two types of services offered: WLL with limited mobility and WLL with fixed line (FWT service).

How is WLL technology different from cellular mobile phones?

The WLL service is based on Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) technology whereas the other mobiles are based on GSM (Group Special Mobile) technology.

What is WLL with limited mobility service?

Limited mobility means providing mobile service within one single charging area in a radius fixed earlier. Though technologically WLL could provide unlimited services, in India regulatory bodies have fixed a certain radius to protect the GSM phone operators which have invested over Rs 25,000 crore in setting up mobile phone networks in the country.

In India the government has described that this service will be made available to a limited extent within a local charging area. For the common man this means that every time you go outside this city limit, you would not be able to use this phone. And since the phone doesn’t have a chip which can be replaced, to operate in an adjoining WLL area you would need a new phone.

What advantages do WLL mobile services offer over other mobile services?

The biggest advantage is that there are no airtime charges. All incoming calls are free of cost. Outgoing calls are charged at Rs 1.2 per three minutes, which is the same as a landline call. So, WLL mobile provides the facility of cellular phones at the same cost as a landline connection. The flip side is that the matter is currently under litigation and in the extreme case the telecom tribunal which is required to look at several legal aspects in the case, the service could fail in its present form.

Can a subscriber buy his own mobile set?

Yes. The customer can purchase CDMA mobile sets complying with IS-95A/ 800 MHz specification.

What facilities do WLL mobile services offer?

WLL has most of the features of a landline telephone: dynamic STD/ISD locking, call waiting/call transfer, calling line identification, call forwarding data/fax transmission (upto 14.4.kbps), morning alarm/hotline STD/ISD calls etc.

Can a conventional cellular mobile phone be used for WLL mobile service?

No. The technology used for providing tarang mobile and fixed WLL service is based on Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA). This is different from the Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM) technology used for cellular mobile communication. CDMA Mobile Sets which comply with specification IS-95A/ 800 MHz can be used in WLL.

What are the other charges?

The security deposit for a connection is Rs 5,000-2400 (depends on the operator); installation charges are nil; rental is Rs 200 per month.

What kind of CDMA set should be procured?

CDMA sets from many reputed manufacturers are available in the market. Customers can choose the set as per their choice. The set procured should be IS-95A/800 MHz compatible. Subscribers are advised to check the condition and warranty for the sets they are buying.

What is fixed WLL service?